You can think of your car's engine as a human when running, you need air to breathe to properly function. The more air entering and exiting your lungs, the better you can perform. This is also true for a car's engine, more air entering and exiting the engine, the better it will perform. Engines that perform better are also more fuel efficient and have a tendency to last longer.

In order to increase air flow to the engine, replace the stock air filter with either a drop in place high flow filter or a FIPK. A Fuel Injected Performance Kit, or FIPK, is an air filter that replaces the air box with a cylinder air filter for optimal surface air area of the filter, thus allowing the engine to draw more air easier. Think of it as trying to suck water through a straw, the larger the straw, the easier it is to get water. But once you have replaced the stock air filter, do not forget to clean the air filter you choose to replace it every 3000 miles. Washing the filter frees it from dirt and other debris that will limit the air flow, going back to the straw idea, it becomes harder if you place your finger over part of the straw.

Now once you have an adequate amount of air being feed to the engine, you need to find a way to remove the exhaust just as quick. The rule of thumb for exhaust is the larger the exhaust the better. Also the material of the exhaust can affect gas mileage too. Most stock exhaust systems will rust within years of being on the road, especially if you live in an area that salts the road during the winter. In order to avoid having your exhaust rust out, you should consider a stainless steel or stainless steel encased exhaust. If you exhaust rusts out it does create a larger opening for the exhaust, but at an unfavorable position, where it can put your back-pressure out of range.

Brands that are trusted for intake systems are K&N, Air hog, and AEM. Each has a large line-up of filters and kits. On the exhaust side, you will never be let down by Borla, although HKS, Flowmaster and Magna-Flow also produce respectable exhausts.

Remember that there is several ways to improve the fuel economy of your current vehicle without spending a great deal of money. Replacing OEM parts with specialized parts will help increase fuel mileage. Two of the main components that should be changed to optimize the mileage are the air intake filter and the exhaust. These two parts can produce a great deal of savings in the fuel economy of a vehicle.

Learn more about this author, James Stayer.
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